Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Boerboel Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Boerboel
- Price of Boerboel versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Health Problems of Boerboel versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do Boerboels shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Conclusion: Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
Boerboel Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Boerboel and for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
A very important difference between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boerboel is a giant-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Boerboel belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
On the other hand, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Boerboel to the Rhodesian Ridgeback based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Factor | Boerboel | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Weight | 110 to 200 pounds | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 22 to 28 inches | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $2660 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $2225 – $3000 | $1250 – $1900 |
| Temperament Score | 94.7 percent | 84.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boerboel in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Boerboel is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a better pet than the Boerboel. So, you should get the Rhodesian Ridgeback!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
- Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not have the tendency to drool.
The Similarities Between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not easy to train.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate hot weather.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very playful.
Size Comparison of Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Boerboels weigh 110 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Boerboels are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of Boerboels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boerboels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Boerboel
The Boerboel has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
This is because the temperament score for the Boerboel is 94.7 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 94.7 percent, the Boerboel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 57 Boerboels and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Price of Boerboel versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
The average price of the Boerboel puppy is $2660. The price of the Boerboel typically ranges from $2225 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 58 Boerboel puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Boerboel is more expensive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Boerboel and Rhodesian Ridgeback. For different price points, the charts show how many Boerboel puppies or how many Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Boerboels. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Boerboel puppy or the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Health Problems of Boerboel versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Boerboel.
6 health tests are recommended for Boerboel while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boerboels and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Boerboel Health Problems
Boerboels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boerboel puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Boerboel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boerboel breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Boerboels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boerboels here.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Boerboels do not like to be left alone.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do Boerboels shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Boerboels shed moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Boerboels have a very high tendency to drool.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Boerboels are very easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the Boerboel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Boerboels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Boerboels Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Boerboels bark and howl, but not very much.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Boerboels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Boerboels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Boerboel vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Boerboels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Boerboels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Boerboels can tolerate hot weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Boerboels do not get along well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are Boerboels good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Boerboels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Boerboels and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Boerboels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Boerboel Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Boerboels are not easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the Boerboel Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Boerboels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boerboel or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Boerboels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Boerboel versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Boerboel and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.